22 October, 7.40am – SH1 due to reopen at 8am

State Highway 1 between Kaikōura and Blenheim is expected to reopen about 8am this morning.

The closure yesterday was due to multiple hazards resulting from strong winds, including vehicle crashes, fires, and downed trees and powerlines.

While the weather has eased, road users are asked to drive with care through the area. 

21 October, 9pm – SH1 closure expected to remain overnight 

State Highway 1 between Kaikōura and Blenheim is expected to remain closed overnight due to the continuing hazards, including fires and downed trees and powerlines. A reassessment is likely tomorrow morning.

Road users are asked to avoid or delay travel in this area if possible.

4.10pm – SH1 closure, Kaikōura to Blenheim, due to various hazards

State Highway 1 is closed between Kaikōura and Blenheim because of multiple hazards impacting this stretch of road today. Closure points have been established just north of Kaikōura and just south of Blenheim.

Vehicle crashes, fallen trees and fires have impacted SH1 amid strong winds battering much of the South Island. Police requested the closure by NZTA.

Road users are asked to avoid this section of SH1 or delay travel if possible.

2.45pm – Crashes affecting traffic on SH1 in North Canterbury

A series of vehicle crashes happening in strong winds on State Highway 1 in North Canterbury are impacting traffic.

Emergency services are at the scene of one crash, involving a campervan, which police say rolled due to strong winds. The crash happened north of Kaikōura, near Hapuku River bridge and the intersection with Puhi Puhi Road, and the aftermath is blocking SH1.

Also, on SH1, near Ferniehurst and the intersection with Sisters Road, a vehicle towing a caravan has crashed and one lane is blocked.

Police are also attending a further incident where a campervan has rolled, near the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Old Beach Road, at Kaikōura Flat, although no road blockage is reported here.

A tree down Oaru on SH1, south of Te Keepa Road, had been partially blocking traffic, but has now been cleared.

Road users, especially those operating motorcycles, high-sided vehicles or towing vehicles, are urged to drive with caution in these high winds.